Foot support



Feb. 5, 1929. 1,701,026

G. T. BRESNAHAN FOOT SUPPORT Filed April 29. 192'? v abboznzq I PatentedFeb. 5, 1929.

GEORGE T. BRESNAHAN, OF IOWA CITY, IOWA.

FOOT SPPORT.

Application ined Aprii 29, 1927. serian no. leases.

' My invention relates to what might be termed a vstarting block used inconnection with a running track or lield whether it be a board track oreinderpat-h.

It is a well known fact thatin short runs or sprints the moments ofgreatest.importance are those in the get-away or the driving from theirstarting marks. The outdoor track athletes usually dig holes in theground in an eitfort to get a firm foothold .but inasmuch as thefirmness of the soilA or cinders `is of great variance this isfrequently very impractical.

One of the principal objects of my invention resides in the provision ofa very simple, inexpensive, compact and highly effective device of thischaracter which may be readily placed in its proper position or removedtherefrom. A further object of my invention resides in a meansfortilting this device so` that it may conform to the feet of thevarious individuals. These and other objects will be apparent as thedescription proceeds.

The scope of my invention extends to whatever Aconstrue-tions may bedefined by or included within. the terms or language of the appendedclaims.

In the drawings:

Figure 1 is a view in perspective illustrating my invention in itsoperative position;

Figure 2 is a top plan view thereof, and

Figure 3 is a side elevation.

My invention in the form or embodiment shown in the drawings and brieiiydescribed comprises two similarly constructed devices, for the use ofeach athlete, that is Vto say one for the right footand one for theleft. Each of the devices comprises a ground block, 10, which ispreferably in the form of a rectangular piece of wood and adapted to beadjusted y to the running track Whether it be wood,

cinders or the like. To the forward end of the ground block, 10, issecured one piate, 11, of a hinge, 12, by screws or other suitablemeans. The other plate, 13, of the hinge, 12, is secured to anadjustably mounted block, 14 4a1,ainst which the runners foot bears.yFor the purposes of permitting a very firm foot-hold for the athlete Iprovide a cork or rubber plate, 15, on the outer surface of theadjustably mounted block, 14.

Various angles of tilt may be given the adjustabiy mounted block, A14,which is accomplished by means of a slidably mounted member, 16, which`is arranged to slide longitudinally of the ground biock, 10.'Grraduations, 18, are arranged upon the upper surface of the groundblock,10, so that the ad- ]ustably mounted block may be given certain orpredetermined angles as for example 30, 45 or 60 degrees.` F or thepurpose of locking the slidably mounted block, 16, with respect to. thep ground block I provide a bolt and Wingnut, 19 and 20. The bolt, 19 ispreferably firmly secured in the ground block, 10,

is provided with a longitudinally extending Boivnwardly and rearwardlyarranged openings, 22, are located at the front and rear ends of theground block, 10, for the purpose of receiving suitable nails or spikes,23,v

PATeNTfolF-FICE'.

`Whereas the slidably mounted member, 16,

l/Vhen this device is used in connectionk with a board track suitableopenings may of course be arranged in the Hoor in proper relationship tothe start-ing line.

As is clearly shown in Figure 3 it will be noted that the forward andupper. corner or edge, 24, of the sildably mounted member, 16,

firmly rests against the adjacent portion of the plate, 13, of thehinge, 21. In this position of the adjustably mounted block, 14, thefront end of the ground block, 10, would be slightlyr elevated above theground. This of course has a tendency to cause the adjustably mountedblock, 14, to firmly be seated against either the surface or floor ofthe track.

What I claim is: n

1. A device of the character described comprising a member adapted torest upon the surface of a track, an. adjustably mounted block adaptedto support a foot and slidable on said member, and .meansinterconnecting said block and member for varying the tilt of saidadjustably mounted block. i

2.` A device of the character described comprising aground block adaptedtol be located upon the surface of a track, a foot support pivotallymounted thereon and a movable member interposed between said groundblock and the foot-supporting member on said ground biock.

esoneri T. Bassum-IAN.,

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